FTI Consulting has named Jason Leow as Senior Managing Director in its strategic communications segment.

Based in Singapore, Jason brings more than 25 years of experience in financial communications, C-suite advisory and stakeholder engagement across Asia, Europe and the US. In his new role, he will work with the Asia leadership team and the firm’s global Senior Managing Director group to drive growth across Southeast Asia and strengthen alignment across FTI Consulting’s international strategic communications network.

Jason will also oversee the firm’s insights and analytics offering in Asia, collaborating across business segments to deliver integrated, multidisciplinary support to clients.

“Jason’s leadership comes at a pivotal time as we accelerate our growth across Asia,” said Tom Evrard, Head of Southeast Asia Strategic Communications at FTI Consulting. “His reputation in the region is second to none, and his experience as both a journalist and an in-house communications leader gives him a unique ability to shape narratives and advise clients through complex situations. We’re thrilled to welcome him to FTI Consulting.”

Jason added, “Boards and CEOs in Southeast Asia are navigating an era of unprecedented scrutiny and complexity. I am excited to join FTI Consulting because of its unique ability to combine deep data analytics with strategic counsel. I look forward to deploying the firm’s full suite of capabilities to help leaders protect value during critical transitions and make confident, evidence-based decisions.”

Ogilvy Group Malaysia has named Irene Wong, CEO of Grey Malaysia, as CEO of Ogilvy Group Malaysia. In the new capacity, Irene will oversee people, clients, and growth across both Ogilvy and Grey.

Meanwhile, Graham Drew, Chief Creative Officer of Grey Malaysia, will take on a new role within the same remit at Ogilvy Group Malaysia, leading clients across both agency brands. Both appointments take effect on 1^st January 2026.

Irene commented, “Stepping into this role draws on everything I’ve built over the years — a deep understanding of the Malaysian market, extensive experience with MNCs, GLCs and government organizations, and a firm belief in the power of collaboration. By honoring the distinct strengths of both Ogilvy and Grey, while preserving their unique identities and fostering purposeful partnership, we will unlock new possibilities, drive greater innovation, and create deeper, more holistic value for our clients.”

Graham said, “I’m passionate about the creative potential here and this role represents a unique opportunity I’m truly excited to embrace. Whilst Ogilvy and Grey continue to operate as distinct businesses, we are united by a shared creative culture — one that pushes us to elevate ideas that move people and move business. By innovating at the intersection of brand, experience, and commerce, and by bringing together craft, data, and technology, we’ll create work rooted in Malaysia with the power to resonate far beyond.”

Havas Red has released its 2026 Red Sky Predictions report. This ninth edition of the report included input from 24 of the agency's markets in the region.

It highlighted 14 trends that will impact brand communications in Asia Pacific, in particular cultural fragmentation, rising misinformation, private digital communities, and acceleration of AI.

Steve Fontanot (pictured), Commercial Managing Director APAC at HAVAS Red, commented: “The Asia-Pacific region is a wonderfully diverse, with a lot of contrasts - hyper-connected yet privacy-conscious, tech-driven yet deeply human. Our 2026 predictions show that success will come to brands that embrace bold creativity, invest in trust and adapt to technologies like generative AI without losing cultural nuance and human intelligence. Now in its ninth year, this report from Havas Red brings together the brightest minds in our global Network, and we’re pleased to share it once again with the world.” 

Key predictions from the report include:

• Crisis mode as business as usual: With geopolitical tensions, climate volatility and economic uncertainty impacting APAC markets, crisis readiness will become a core competency for communicators. 
• Synthetic research becomes standard: AI-driven audience simulations will accelerate campaign planning and stress-testing, enabling brands to adapt quickly to APAC’s fragmented consumer landscape. 
• Truth as the ultimate brand value: In markets where trust is fragile and misinformation rampant, brands that demonstrate transparency and authenticity will win loyalty. 
• Boldness is the new benchmark: From experiential activations in Australia to influencer-led campaigns in Southeast Asia, brands must push creative boundaries to cut through content fatigue. 
• Closed communities > public feeds: With consumers in APAC gravitating toward private digital spaces like WeChat groups, Discord, and Telegram, influence will hinge on authentic engagement within niche communities.

Key APAC case studies include:

• In Australia, Wise’s “Fleece Free FX” activation at Bondi Beach featured live sheep and theatrical stunts aimed at depicting hidden bank fees.
• Across Southeast Asia, from Cebuano hashtags in the Philippines to regional dialect videos on TikTok in Indonesia, brands picked up on dialect-first content trends and engaged lo-fi, creator-led storytelling. 
• As part of their closed community strategies, brands invested in WeChat and Telegram micro-groups to build intimacy and loyalty within fandoms. 

The report further touched upon the shift in discoverability, with brands transitioning from traditional SEO to Generative Engine Optimisation, as well as the move towards creator-led storytelling and niche voices.